Kanto Intercollegiate Championship

Enoshima, Japan, September 13, 2026. The Autumn Kanto Intercollegiate Yacht Championship Finals Series kicked off on September 11. It is a major showdown where a total of 15 universities—7 that advanced from the qualification series of each class, plus 8 seeded top performers from the Spring Intercollegiate—compete for tickets to the All Japan Intercollegiate. (Report and photos provided by the Kanto Student Yacht Federation PR)

DAY 1 The first day of the regatta took place under rainy skies, following the individual and qualifying series. All three completed races were held in light northerly to north-northeasterly winds, with frequent major shifts caused by rain clouds making score stability extremely difficult.

Attention focused on the battles at the top, the podium spots, and the qualification thresholds for the All Japan Championship.

In the Snipe Class, Waseda University put on a dominant display. They completed the three races with a remarkably low 40 points, opening a massive lead over the field (Keio 130, Nihon 142, Chuo 144, Meiji 147). The battle for the top seven qualification spots was equally tight: Rikkyo in 6th (184 points), Institute of Science Tokyo in 7th (191 points), and Yokohama City University in 8th (193 points).

With a drop race taking effect after the fourth race (excluding each boat’s highest score), the overall outcome remains unpredictable. The lower-ranked teams are undoubtedly determined to push hard from Day 2 onward. The question now is whether the leading teams can maintain or extend their day-one advantage.

The stage is set for a decisive Day 2.

DAY 2 The second day of the finals series saw lighter rainfall than the first, taking place primarily under overcast skies. Light northeasterly breezes filled the racing area, offering conditions similar to Day 1 for the fourth and fifth races. However, sporadic rain clouds caused large wind velocity variations across the course, posing significant tactical challenges.

Although the rain stopped by the sixth and seventh races, the wind shifted heavily to the right, turning easterly. Large wind shifts throughout the races made it difficult even for top teams to secure consistent positions at the first windward mark, leading to a highly tricky day with several leaderboard shifts.

In the Snipe Class, Waseda University built on its dominant day-one performance. After seven races, Waseda leads with 77 points—holding an 85-point cushion over second-place Nihon University (162 points). Meiji University holds third (259 points), followed by Keio University (268.8 points) and Chuo University (291.8 points).

The qualification battle for the Snipe Class remains fierce, with Institute of Science Tokyo in 6th (297 points), Yokohama National University in 7th (333 points), and Yokohama City University in 8th (345 points). Minimizing mistakes in tough conditions and capitalizing on opportunities proved to be a true test of overall team strength.

One final race is scheduled for each class on the last day. The intense 2026 Kanto battle for the championship title and All Japan qualification berths reaches its climax tomorrow.

DAY 3 The final day of the three-day competition for All Japan Intercollegiate berths arrived, with sailors heading onto the water eager to compete. However, persistent heavy shifts in the northerly wind made racing impossible, leading to a prolonged postponement on the water.

Around noon, a southerly wind began to build, reviving hopes for racing. Ultimately, the breeze failed to stabilize before time ran out, resulting in no races being completed on Day 3.

The Snipe Class reached a general recall before the AP over A flag was hoisted, ending racing for the day.

As a result of the accumulated scores, the top nine teams in the 470 Class and top seven teams in the Snipe Class secured their places at the All Japan Intercollegiate Yacht Championship, to be held in Nishinomiya from October 14 to 18.

Snipe Class Final Standings

Rank	University	Total Points
1	Waseda University	77
2	Nihon University	162
3	Meiji University	259
4	Keio University	268.8
5	Chuo University	291.8
6	Institute of Science Tokyo	297
7	Yokohama National University	333
8	Yokohama City University	345
9	The University of Tokyo	388
10	Rikkyo University	391
11	Meikai University	441
12	Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology	535
13	Hitotsubashi University	610
14	Hosei University	632
15	Tokyo Metropolitan University	680

Overall (Combined Snipe+470) Standings

Rank	University	Total Points
1	Waseda University	260
2	Nihon University	365
3	Keio University	450.8
4	Meiji University	472
5	Meikai University	650
6	The University of Tokyo	656
7	Chuo University	672.8
8	Institute of Science Tokyo	758
9	Yokohama National University	772
10	Rikkyo University	825
11	Hosei University	923
12	Yokohama City University	950